Directed by Stephen Lee
CAST:
Kim Lane
Ian Bolgia
David Meadows
Angelique Malcolm
Dan Luxton
James Davies
Stephen Lee
Almost uniquely among Shakespeare's mature tragedies, "Othello" does
not deal with Court matters, or the lives of Kings and Prince's.
It
deals on a very human and intimate level with the emotions of love,
jealousy, envy and prejudice. A soldier, Iago, passed over for
promotion
and seething with resentment, attempts to bring down Cassio, the
man who got the job he wanted. In so doing he poisons the love
between
his commanding officer Othello and his new wife, by making it seem
that Cassio is having an affair with the lady, Desdemona. In the
end
Othello, goaded to a jealous rage, murders Desdemona in her bed.
A major theme of the play is that Othello, a black man in a white
society,
has little in common, both in culture and experience, with his
new bride, and is easy prey to Iago's whisperings.
The play has often been called "Shakespeare's only kitchen sink drama",
and speaks to us on a very powerful and understandable level. Like
"Romeo and Juliet", it deals with themes and emotions we have all
felt and lived through: maybe very few of us have ever been told
by
our father's ghost to seek revenge; or been warned by witches that
we are destined for the crown; but who has not felt the doubts and
insecurities of a new love and the anger and jealousy of betrayal.
Sadly too, the dangers of prejudice, and the anger and hatred it
breeds,
need little explaining in today's world where Christian and Muslim,
Arab and Jew face each other menacingly.
Because of the subtle and intimate nature of the
play, the production will make no attempt to be an epic costume
piece. We
will use a small group of actors and a simple timeless setting,
allowing us to focus strongly on the true heart of the play, the
characters,
and their interactions and conflicts. "Othello" is a dark, brooding,
powerful piece of drama, though as is customary with Shakespeare,
shot through with a vein of humour, and tells a story as meaningful
and pertinent to today as when it was written four centuries ago.
Othello toured Perth and the Southwest (June 6
to July 13 2007)
What schools said about last year's production of Othello
at the Subiaco Theatre Centre:
Newman College
"Othello was outstanding. The production brought to life the domestic
aspects of the play very well. Watching Iago and Emilia was a treat.
The direction was outstanding."
Lynwood SHS
"An interesting and absorbing production carefully directed with
some very strong performances from the leading roles. A very capable
cast supporting the leads!"
Guildford Grammar
"We thoroughly enjoyed the production. We really engaged with the
experience - it had just the right touch."
Thornlie SHS
"An excellent production! You captivated the audience and really
brought the play to life, making it accessible to our students!"
Trinity College
"Thoroughly enjoyable!"
Helena College
"We found the performance accessible and useful in galvanizing
our reading of the text."
Lakelands SHS
"The caliber of actors was excellent!"
